New Delhi (India), March 23: On the occasion of World Recycling Day, Reverse Logistics Group (RLG), in association with Policy Times Chamber of Commerce (PTCC), organized a conference titled “Role of EPR on Circular Economy & Post-Recycled Market.” The event took place on March 21 at the India International Centre (IIC), New Delhi, and marked a significant stride towards adopting resource efficiency and advancing a circular economy in the country. 

The conference was graced by the presence of several distinguished chief guests and dignitaries. The notable attendees included H.E. Mrs. Lebohang Valentine Mochaba, Honorable High Commissioner of the Kingdom of Lesotho; Dr. Hanif Qureshi, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India; Dr. Nitin Ramesh Gokarn, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Planning Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh; Shri Ved Prakash Mishra, Director, Hazardous Substances Management (HSM) Division, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India; Prof. Shishir Sinha, Director General, Central Institute of Plastics Engineering & Technology (CIPET); and Dr. R. Ratheesh, Director, Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (CMET). Organizing Secretaries Mr. Akram Hoque, Secretary of Policy Times Chamber of Commerce, and Ms. Radhika Kalia, MD, RLG Systems India, extended a warm welcome to stakeholders, policymakers, industry experts, and participants.

Recognizing resource efficiency as a critical element of sustainable development, and under the guiding principles of Niti Aayog’s Resource Efficiency strategy, the conference organized an esteemed assembly of the brightest minds across industry and policy domains. Industry leaders assessed the effectiveness of existing EPR regulations and discussed global approaches, and emphasized redefining the role of stakeholders and collective action to drive India towards becoming the largest post-recycled market. Further, the discussion focused on the urgent need to incorporate EPR within the framework of India’s ambitious net-zero mission (through Panchamrit Objectives) and circular economy initiatives. The Panchamrit Objectives as announced at COP 26 have given a boost to India’s efforts towards achieving the country’s net-zero goals. At the same time, India has displayed a strong dedication to increasing non-fossil fuel capacity by 500 GW by 2030, while aiming to fulfil 50 percent of its energy needs through renewable energy by the same year. In this context, the conference delved into the intricate and multifaceted dimensions of policy dynamism required to leverage the opportunities and navigate the challenges posed by India’s rapid industrialization and urbanization.

Discussions further stressed the importance of a multi-pronged approach to achieve resource efficiency and create a circular economy in the country through renewable energy and Panchamrit Objectives, reduction in carbon emissions, EPR compliances (in relation to circularity, plastics, electronics, and battery waste management), sector-specific strategies for decarbonization, increased engagement with the informal sector, post-recycled market dynamics, increased quality and cost-effectiveness, among others. The conference recognized the significance of reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources and minimizing environmental impact, aligning closely with the principles of a circular economy. The vital role of EPR in advancing circularity, especially in managing plastic, electronic, and battery waste, as well as end-of-life vehicles and tyre waste was unanimously acknowledged. 

Ms. Radhika Kalia, MD, RLG Systems India, said on the occasion, “We recognize that EPR, beyond being a policy framework, is a transformative force capable of driving India towards a sustainable and circular economy through its emphasis on sustainable practices such as recycling, reuse, and eco-friendly design. In order to achieve true resource efficiency in line with Niti Aayog’s guiding principles and a circular economy, we must follow an approach that focuses on developing robust recycling infrastructure, encouraging material recovery, and minimizing waste. Addressing challenges in the informal scrap market and striking a balance between regulatory compliance and government incentives could offer an effective way to realize our circular economy goals. Our conference today brought together industry leaders and policymakers to shed light on sector-specific strategies and the role of EPR in achieving circularity across sectors. Such platforms help share insights, explore innovative solutions, and reinforce the importance of collaborative efforts. The discussions and outcomes of this conference underscore our collective commitment and the crucial steps we are taking towards a sustainable and resilient future for India”. 

About Reconomy

Reconomy is an innovative, tech-led provider of services to enable the circular economy, with the vision of a waste-free world where economic growth is decoupled from resourced consumption. Enabling businesses around the world to improve their ESG outcomes, Reconomy delivers value through its unique set of integrated capabilities – Recycle, Comply and Re-use. Reconomy serves over 7,000 businesses of all sizes in over 80 countries in the following sectors: retail, hospitality, leisure, manufacturing, facilities management, transport and logistics, construction, house building and infrastructure.

About RLG India

RLG Systems India Private Limited (Formerly RLG Reverse Logistics India Private Limited) is India’s first CPCB-registered Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) which designs and operates sustainable, cost effective and reliable solutions for the take back and recycling of E waste in accordance with the relevant Indian legislation, and in line with our customer’s policies. Since its inception in 2017, RLG India has been supporting producers, importers, brand owners & manufacturers across India to fulfil their Extended Producer Responsibility under the E waste Management Rules 2022 (or amended thereof).

Please visit RLG’s official website: https://rev-log.com/in/

Also visit RLG’s official LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reverse-logistics-group-india/

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